Summer Camp Counselor

National Audubon Society•Southbury, CT

3d•$19•Onsite

About The Position

About Audubon The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety. Position Summary : Bent of the River Sanctuary & Audubon Center (BOTR) in Southbury, CT, hosts a 7-week summer camp with one week of training before the start of camp. The program will run from Monday, June 22nd, to Monday, August 17th. Participants can enjoy various activities—including hiking, brook walks, river exploration, crafts, nature-themed games, live animal interactions, and birding.  With access to forests, meadows, wetlands, and the Pomperaug river participants experience the wonders and diversity of nature in Southbury and gain a greater understanding of and respect for the natural world. BOTR offers experienced and aspiring teachers and environmental educators the opportunity to work in an outdoor setting as part of a dynamic summer camp team. To safely, execute Bent of the River (BOTR) Programs for children ages 5-17, Camp Counselors will be needed for approximately 8 weeks over the course of the summer (5 days of training, 7 weeks of camp) Monday through Friday, for 7.5-8 hours per day. Length of Assignment: (6/22/2026 – 8/17/2026) Hours: 7.5 – 8 hours Per Day This position is classified as on-site at Bent of the River Audubon Center in Southbury, CT. Compensation: $19.00 / hour

Requirements

Completion of at least two years of college coursework in environmental or life sciences is preferred.
Some teaching experience and/or curriculum development is necessary, and environmental education experience is preferred.
A background in natural history is preferred.
Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to and experience in advancing equity and belonging.
Demonstrated experience leading a group and initiating activities, working independently, and aware of BOTR safety procedures and the ability to enforce those safety precautions.
Candidates should possess a strong work ethic, self-motivation, ongoing enthusiasm, commitment, flexibility, a desire to learn, and the ability to work well with others and with children.
Candidates must show respect for others, nature, and the outdoors, be enthusiastic about working, even in unfavorable weather conditions, pleasant, reliable, and able to carry out simple assigned tasks with minimal supervision.
Ability to traverse trails on uneven terrain, and must be able to remain stationary for long periods, and maneuver in a variety of ways as needed for short and extended periods of time with or without accommodations.
Ability to work outdoors in the heat of summer and during rain.

Responsibilities

Partner with Audubon staff to ensure that equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging principles are incorporated and followed in all aspects of our work.
Plan and execute each weeklong camp/program session for their individual small group of children, including teaching discovery hikes, pond explorations, live animal programs, nature crafts, and games, setting up and cleaning up each day’s activities.
Create, prepare, and deliver 8 weeks of nature, science, and conservation-based curriculum for assigned age group centered on weekly themes.
Create a meaningful experience for summer program participants while teaching an appreciation and respect for the natural environment.
Counselors must keep good communication with the Camp Director to report bathroom usage (for cleaning purposes,) possible sick campers, as well as other camp communication as required.
Deep cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, materials, tables and chairs and other items used during the day will be expected at the end of each camp day or as needed.
Summer programming will primarily be 100% outdoors, except for thunderstorms or other potentially dangerous hazards.
Perform all other duties deemed necessary by the Camp Director to further the mission of BOTR and Audubon.
Camp Counselors will help with other aspects of a nature center, such as contacting camp parents by phone or email, photocopying, or more.
Commitment to staff all camp sessions is required.